Western Gall Rust

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) develops branch galls from rust infection. Prune out galls well below the infection site if they occur on branches. If the gall occurs on the trunk, you may retrain a new leader, but tree removal may be necessary for safety. Remove infected trees from pine stands to protect surrounding trees.

Rust fungi often need two different host plants to complete their life cycle, so identifying and managing the alternate host can break the cycle. Remove heavily infected leaves and dispose of them away from the garden. Improve air circulation to speed leaf drying after rain. Fungicide applications are most effective as preventive treatments before symptoms appear; once pustules are visible, the current infection cycle is already underway.